The Norval Foundation renowned for its commitment to celebrating African art and culture, holds a major exhibition titled ‘They Came and Left Footprints’ featuring the works of two of South Africa’s most iconic artists, Lucas Sithole and Cyprian Shilakoe. These two artists, who contributed significantly to the evolution of modern South African art, are being showcased in a dynamic exhibition that explores their shared vision, distinct techniques, and the cultural contexts that shaped their works.
Both Sithole and Shilakoe belong to a generation of artists who navigated the complexities of South Africa’s political landscape in the mid-20th century. Despite their different backgrounds, they developed an artistic dialogue that reflected not only their individual experiences but also the broader social issues of the time. This exhibition brings their works into conversation, allowing viewers to appreciate both the synergies and distinctions between their creations.
Lucas Sithole (1931-1994), often regarded as one of the most prolific African sculptors, is best known for his work in various media, including stone, wood, and bronze. His sculptures often depict African figures and animals, rendered with a strong sense of form and emotional depth. His work has been recognized for its symbolic commentary on human resilience, migration, and the spiritual relationship between people and the natural world.
Sithole’s pieces in the exhibition include monumental works like Migration of the Spirit, a bronze sculpture that captures the theme of movement and displacement, reflecting the socio-political upheavals of the apartheid era. His wood carvings, meanwhile, are noted for their intricate detailing and evocative depictions of African wildlife, embodying the artist’s deep connection with his heritage and environment.
Cyprian Shilakoe (1946-1972), though his career was tragically cut short by his untimely death at the age of 26, left a profound impact on the South African art scene. His work is characterized by its dreamlike quality, blending traditional African iconography with surrealist elements. Shilakoe’s sculptures often reference spiritual and ancestral themes, exploring the relationship between the material and spiritual worlds. His mastery of stone and clay as mediums is evident in his finely detailed works, which seem to convey both fragility and strength.
Shilakoe’s contributions to the exhibition include his hauntingly beautiful stone carvings, which depict figures that seem to straddle the boundary between the physical and metaphysical realms. Works such as Ancestor’s Dream and Silent Cry reflect his preoccupation with mortality, spirituality, and the cultural dislocation experienced by many South Africans during apartheid.
This exhibition not only highlights the artistic achievements of Sithole and Shilakoe but also delves into the thematic currents that unite their bodies of work. A key theme is the exploration of identity—both personal and collective. Sithole’s work frequently addresses the experience of migration and displacement, while Shilakoe’s sculptures probe the spiritual dislocation and search for meaning within an increasingly fragmented society.
Another significant theme is the relationship between humanity and the natural world. Both artists were deeply inspired by their environments—Sithole through his depictions of African wildlife and rural landscapes, and Shilakoe through his use of organic materials and symbolic references to nature. The exhibition, ‘They Came and Left Footprints’ provides an opportunity for viewers to contemplate how these artists responded to their surroundings and how they used nature as a metaphor for the human condition.
Though their careers spanned different lengths, both Lucas Sithole and Cyprian Shilakoe have left indelible marks on South African art history. Sithole’s long and distinguished career saw him rise to international prominence, and his works are held in major collections around the world. Shilakoe, despite his brief career, is revered for his groundbreaking approach to sculpture and his ability to fuse African traditions with contemporary aesthetics.
The exhibition, ‘They Came and Left Footprints’ runs from September 25 to November 3, 2024 at the Norval Foundation. It brings together pieces from the Homestead and Bruce Campbell Smith collections, offering a rare opportunity to see the art of these two significant South African artists side by side.
